“Australia secures a whitewash against Pakistan in the final Test series of David Warner’s career.”

Australian opener David Warner received a standing ovation as he wrapped up his cricket career, contributing a match-winning 57 runs against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This signified the conclusion of his 112-Test career spanning 12 years. The 37-year-old batsman managed to hit seven boundaries before being dismissed lbw by spinner Sajid Khan in the final Test of the series.

Following Australia’s comprehensive eight-wicket victory and the clean sweep of the series, Warner commended his teammates, expressing pride in being part of a remarkable group of cricketers. He characterized the triumph as a dream come true, culminating in a fantastic 18 months to two years for the Australian team. Warner, bidding farewell to red-ball cricket, extended his gratitude to his home crowd for their unwavering support throughout the decade of his career.

Warner exits the Test format with an impressive record, accumulating 8,786 runs at an average of 44.60 and a strike rate of 70.20. He notched up 26 centuries and 37 half-centuries during his Test career and distinguished himself as one of the most consistent slip fielders, securing 91 catches.

Australian coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged Warner as potentially their greatest-ever three-format player and lamented the loss his retirement represents for the team. While Warner had previously announced his retirement from one-day international cricket, he is expected to continue playing in the Twenty20 format.

Despite his cricketing achievements, Warner’s career has been shadowed by the infamous “sandpaper-gate” ball-tampering scandal in 2018. He played a central role in the incident, resulting in a one-year suspension, the loss of vice-captaincy, and a ban from ever leading the team. However, Warner staged a triumphant return following the completion of his suspension, notably during the Ashes series against England in 2019.

With Warner’s retirement, selectors now confront the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for the opening position. Established openers Bancroft, Harris, and Renshaw are considered contenders, but Smith’s willingness to move up the order adds an interesting twist, potentially paving the way for the return of all-rounder Cameron Green in the middle order. Australia is poised to face the West Indies in a two-Test series starting on January 17 in Adelaide.